Meet Mariana Novak of Pocket Size Pictures in Inman Park

Mariana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In my relatively short time on this planet, I feel like I’ve lived a slice of many different lives. Although I feel incredibly lucky to have immigrated to the US, I ascribe my affinity for the visual and performing arts to an upbringing in Russia. I was raised on theater and world renowned museum visits, only to appreciate the privilege 20 years too late. However, like many other immigrant children, I was pressured to pursue a career in medicine or law. I convinced myself that I belonged in healthcare long enough to finish a degree in Biology/Pre-med and work for countless medical organizations in the US and abroad. Over time, I realized I was not passionate about healthcare as much as I was simply connecting with patients and sharing their stories. When I started pursuing entertainment in my early 20s, everything fell into place and my prior experiences encouraged a truthful element in my work as an actor and filmmaker. The course of my life as an artist was shaped by a combination of trial and error. I undertook as many auditions and production gigs as possible, fueling my resume and trajectory that brought me to Atlanta. Now I split my time creating visual content for my production company called Pocket Size Pictures as well as work locally as an actor for Voiceover, Television, Film, and Commercial projects.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I left my creative network and everyone dear to me in California when I moved to Atlanta. The first year here bore long periods of extreme self-doubt, loneliness, and exhaustion. I was scraping by taking on every odd job I could, leaving little time to socialize let alone prepare for my personal projects as an actor and producer. Looking back on that experience, I know that my threshold for challenges or mental exhaustion has grown exponentially. The road has been winding, traffic-filled, and emotionally draining, but out of those struggles arouse an insurmountable amount of pride and self-worth. The biggest challenge as an actor or filmmaker is simply believing in your own talents and abilities. Most of the time, we are our own worst enemy. I’ve found that battling the moments in between projects, bookings, or auditions is simply focusing on the only aspects of your life you can control: health (mental/physical) and preparation.

Please tell us about Pocket Size Pictures.
Pocket Size Pictures is focused on telling stories through branded photo and video content. We specialize in offering a full array of marketing materials for small business owners and creatives alike. My partner and I bring a well-rounded creative energy to every project. We both can write, edit, and shoot but his work is fueled by technical knowledge and patience while I’m business savvy and excited by meeting and collaborating with brands and artists. I am super proud that we’ve donated countless hours to help women-led local businesses with their marketing; further propelling them towards success while building our network and portfolio in Atlanta.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory was when I first landed on US soil in 1996. The moment I saw my beautiful mother for the first time in four years at the San Francisco airport arrivals greeting area. She immigrated to the US before I did and left me in the care of my amazing grandparents before she was able to officially move me over as well. Without her bravery, love, and dedication, I wouldn’t have had the chance to find freedom and the pursuit of my artistic dreams in America.